This makes sense, in a way. Zubie would be going back home (even though he had a few altercations with Russia over the years), and the KHL might be less pressure on him in case he does spend most of next season injured. The doctors and medical staff aren’t nearly as talented as they are in the NHL, so I hope that he doesn’t run into any serious medical problems because the staff there might not be knowledgeable enough to deal with it.

Even though Zubie spent most of the last two seasons injured, I can remember many excellent moments from earlier in his career before he started experiencing injury problems. I remember him and the old Darryl Sydor during the Cup days, and Zubie quarterbacking the power play with the likes of Modano, Hull, Arnott, and a very young Morrow. It will be weird for him to NOT be on the team. Although he spent most of the last two seasons off the ice, it was always somewhat comforting to know that he was still a part of the team.

When he came for the playoffs in 2008, he seemed to have a lot left to give if only he could stay healthy. Yes, there were the two wonderful presents he gave to Patrick Marleau while the Sharks were short-handed, but there was also the amazing spin-around pass that landed right on Modano’s stick and easily found its way into the net. That is my favorite Zubov moment of recent memory.

If this is true, we will miss you Zubie. Best of luck in Russia. I hope you wow everyone with your crazy Ivans.

You have the chance to eliminate the Guppies again tonight. Please do so, because as much as I want to see you in person Sunday night, I don’t want you to lose 2 in a row. You win tonight, and our tickets for the second round can easily be exchanged for some in the conference finals.

Zubie, please don’t try to make any really pretty passes to Patrick Marleau tonight. His birthday is very far away, and it’s not Christmas. I am really glad to see you back, but please play better.

Loui, where did you go, my adorable little Swede? I miss seeing how happy you get when you score a goal. Please start scoring again soon.

Marty, good job so far except it kinda sucks that you’re 0-for-the-playoffs on breakaways. Please keep playing the way you are and slap Zubie if he lets another pass get away.

Brenden, you are the current Conn Smythe winner and my favorite player ever. Please keep doing everything just the way you’re doing it.

Please don’t let this game into overtime and be close. My mom’s favorite score is 4-1, and I’d love to see that because then I might be able to breathe and function like a (semi) normal human during the game.